John Thiel - Congenital Heart Valve Repair Success Story
A year ago Jon Thiel was having surgery to repair a heart valve that had been defective since birth – but only discovered a few months before during a routine checkup – and was putting pressure on his heart.
Next month, the 32-year-old prop will be tearing up and down a rugby field in France as a member of Canada’s World Cup team.
“There’s far worse operations that prevent people from doing things,” he said.
Even after having his valve repaired by Toronto cardiac surgeon Tirone David, Thiel was uncertain following his July 25 operation whether he’d play competitively again.
He’ll have to replace the valve in six to eight years and keep going through the procedure every eight to 10 years after that because replacement valves don’t last.
“Those are guesstimates,” he said. “Obviously, I’ll be putting my heart to the test.”
Email Friend
Leave Comment
Print
Subscribe
